As we look toward the retail space in 2026, key changes are on the horizon. Inflationary pressures remain, and customer expectations around convenience and technology are on the rise. Smart carts, smaller handheld baskets, and evolving technologies supporting the shopping experience are worthy of consideration in the battle to become the go-to store in your neighborhood.

At Good L Corp, we’re watching several emerging patterns that signal where shopping cart trends in 2026 are headed. From advanced retail tech integrations to demand for more efficient grocery store baskets, the coming year will mean strategic shifts in how retailers outfit their interiors.

Smart Carts Are Graduating

One of the biggest transformations we expect to see in 2026 will be in cart innovation. The 2020s have already seen high-tech smart carts adopting AI and digital sensors that automatically scan items as they’re added, making the shopping experience for customers more innovative and efficient. This tech will continue to improve in the back half of the decade.

In addition to product-recognition sensors, smart carts enable seamless checkout, allowing customers to bypass traditional checkout lines. They can offer personalized coupons, product info, and tailored promotions; GPS navigation for guiding shoppers to where they want to be; and real-time inventory tracking to help you, the store owner or manager, gain a deeper understanding of customer behavior.

Even as technology becomes increasingly central to shopping carts, retailers continue to prioritize the strong, reliable construction that defines our American-made carts. 2026 is shaping up to be a year that will blend next-generation features with the uncompromising durability stores need and depend on.

Smaller Baskets for a Better Buying Experience

At the other end of the spectrum are handheld shopping baskets. As more consumers rely on retail and grocery delivery services for larger trips, 2026 will see a shift toward compact, more ergonomic baskets for ‘top-up’ trips to the store, which can turn into impulse-buy extravaganzas. The majority of today’s customers want speed, convenience, and efficiency. Smaller baskets enable this while encouraging browsing by not blocking your aisles. They’re also a good strategic choice for trips where shoppers enter the store intent on buying a couple of items but then fill their baskets with more items for a more satisfying trip.

Hybrid basket-carts (dual handheld baskets set into a wheeled frame to create two compact levels) are becoming more popular, too. These designs offer versatility and volume without the need for a full-sized shopping cart.

Sustained Sustainability Strategies

Sustainability will continue to influence the bricks-and-mortar retail industry for the foreseeable future. Both carts and baskets are trending toward stronger, lighter, more eco-friendly materials.

High-strength, durable plastic carts made from 100% recycled materials are gaining traction, while metal carts remain a dominant option due to their recyclability. Smart carts can contribute to sustainability goals by enabling paperless digital receipts and reducing paper waste. With real-time inventory data, they also help you manage stock more accurately.

Handheld shopping carts are still trending toward eco-friendly material makeup. At Good L, our handheld baskets are made from 100% recycled ocean plastics. We also incorporate an impact-resistant design to prevent breakage, replacement costs, and unnecessary waste.

Whether you choose large smart carts, compact baskets, or middle-of-the-road hybrid solutions, the material composition of the equipment will remain a primary decision driver for the customer, second only to their comfort and a convenient buying experience.

Self-Checkout & Innovative Automation

While self-checkout has entered the mainstream, advanced features and more refined options are continually being added. Better barcode-scanning capabilities, mobile payment integration, and enhanced AI assistance will make the shopping experience more streamlined and enjoyable.

Just Walk Out (JWO) technologies are also becoming more prevalent in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada. This innovation makes ‘grab-and-go’ a literal experience, as frictionless checkout technologies using computer vision and sensors track items and charge customers automatically as they leave the store.

The goal with these advancements is to make the shopping experience faster and more intuitive without backsliding on sustainability initiatives.

Good L Corp: Keeping an Eye on The Future

While technical advancements continue to impress, one area within in-store retail remains unchanged: the durability, utility, and reliability your equipment must offer. At Good L, we continue to design the very best in shopping carts, baskets, and specialty carts. Whether your store is preparing to adopt smart cart technology or you’re looking to refresh your handheld basket inventory, Good L is committed to delivering the quality and innovation you need.

Partner with us for a head start on your 2026 equipment needs. We’re here to support our retailers nationwide by providing the best in ingenuity and American-made products. Get in touch today for a free quote.